What Should You Change in Your Fall Outfits During the Late Summer Heat? 3 Ways to Tone Down the “Summer Vibe”

Although the weather is better than last year, there have still been days in September when temperatures have exceeded 30 degrees, and we’re still having a string of days where you break a sweat during the daytime. That said, if you dress exactly the same as you did in July or August, your outfit might look like it’s stuck in the height of summer. However, there’s no need to forcefully add a jacket or sweater just to match the season.When putting together outfits for the lingering summer heat in fall, the key is not to “add more fall clothes,” but to “reduce the elements that make your outfit look too summery.” Just by changing the three items introduced here, you can update your look to feel more like September while still staying cool.

When temperatures are high, it’s only natural to want to show some skin in short sleeves and shorts, but as we transition into fall, it’s important to pay attention not only to the “amount” of skin you reveal but also to the “areas” you choose to show.The more areas of your body that are exposed—such as your neck, arms, legs, and feet—the more summery your look will appear. For example, if you’re wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt, switch to long pants for your bottoms and wear socks and loafers to minimize exposure at your feet. Even if you leave your arms exposed, simply covering your legs and below will change the seasonal feel of your outfit.

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What Makes an Outfit Look Summery Is the 'Layering of Summer Elements' More Than Summer Clothes Themselves

You don’t have to stop wearing short-sleeved shirts and shorts the moment September arrives.What you need to watch out for is whether too many elements strongly associated with summer are layered together in a single outfit. For example, combining a short-sleeved T-shirt, shorts, and sandals creates a look that’s pure midsummer. Instead, if you’re wearing shorts, switch to a long-sleeved shirt and pair them with sneakers or leather shoes.If you limit yourself to just one strong summer element and round out the rest with more year-round pieces, the overall look will feel more subdued.

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The same goes for short-sleeved open-collar shirts.While pairing them with shorts or linen pants would enhance the resort vibe, pairing them with full-length slacks or jeans—and wearing sneakers or leather shoes instead of sandals—lets you transition to a late-summer, early-fall look.Even removing just one summer element can drastically change your look, so the key isn’t to “avoid wearing summer clothes” but rather to “avoid layering too many summery pieces.” This subtractive approach is the secret to balancing the lingering summer heat with a sense of the season.

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Before Layering, Add ‘Visual Weight’ with Accessories and Footwear” subtitle (“How to Make Late-Summer Fall Outfits Look More Like September (3)”)

When trying to achieve an autumnal look, we tend to think in terms of “adding layers”—such as throwing on a shirt, wearing a jacket, or layering knitwear. However, this isn’t practical during the lingering summer heat, when daytime temperatures exceed 30 degrees. Instead, consider adding visual weight through accessories and footwear alone, without increasing the amount of fabric covering your body.For example, swap a lightweight canvas bag for a sturdy leather one. Simply switching from something light to something with a dense, substantial feel creates a sense of balance in your outfit.

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Belts, too, can be effective, even in small ways.If you’ve been wearing a mesh belt—typical for spring and summer—swap it out for a solid, single-piece leather belt with no gaps. This shifts the look from a light, airy, woven texture to a neat, refined impression with a solid surface. For footwear, switch from lightweight shoes like canvas sneakers to leather shoes such as loafers or derbies.Rather than simply thinking, “It’s fall, so I’ll wear leather,” the key is to incorporate “surface,” “density,” and “weight” somewhere in your outfit. Before adding another layer, make one element—whether it’s your bag, belt, or shoes—slightly heavier. This allows you to move the visual season forward without significantly changing how warm you feel.